ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of cirrhosis associated with a reduced survival. The presence of high-flux spontaneous porto-systemic shunts can induce HE even in patients with preserved liver function. AIM: To evaluate the effect of spontaneous porto-systemic shunt embolization (SPSE) over HE and its long-term evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 11 patients (91% males) with severe HE non-responsive to medical treatment in whom a SPSE was performed. The grade of HE (employing West Haven score), survival, MELD and Child-Pugh score, ammonia levels, degree of disability (employing the modified Rankin scale (mRs)) were evaluated before and at thirty days after procedure. RESULTS: The most common etiology found was non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (63.6%). A reduction of at least two score points of HE was observed in all patients after thirty days. There was a significant reduction on median (IQR) West Haven score from 3 (2-3) at baseline to 1 (0-1) after the procedure (p < 0.01). Twelve months survival was 63.6%. There was a decrease in median ammonia level from 106.5 (79-165) (ug/dL) to 56 (43-61) after SPSE (p = 0.006). The median mRS score before and after the procedure was 3 (3-5) and 1 (1-2.5), respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusions: According to our experience, SPSE is a feasible and effective alternative to improve HE and functionality of patients with refractory EH.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hepatic Encephalopathy/etiology , Hepatic Encephalopathy/therapy , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Ammonia , Liver Cirrhosis/complicationsABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the effects of plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration changes on platelet release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin (TSP)-1 in patients with decompensated cirrhotic portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. Methods: 169 cases with cirrhotic portal hypertension were enrolled, of which 81 cases received TIPS treatment. LPS, VEGF, and TSP-1 concentrations with different Child-Pugh class in peripheral blood plasma of patients were measured. After pre-incubation of normal human platelets with different concentrations of LPS and stimulated by collagen in vitro, platelet PAC-1 expression rate, VEGF, and TSP-1 concentrations were detected. PAC-1 expression rate and the concentrations of LPS, VEGF and TSP-1 in peripheral blood plasma of patients before and after TIPS procedure were detected. The relationship between plasma LPS, VEGF and TSP-1 concentrations and Child-Pugh score changes in patients after TIPS procedure was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by t-test, one-way ANOVA or Pearson's rho according to different data. Results: Plasma LPS and TSP-1 concentrations were significantly higher in Child-Pugh class C patients than class A and B, but the concentration of plasma VEGF was significantly lower than class A and B (P < 0.01). In vitro experiments showed that concentration of LPS, TSP-1, and platelet PAC-1 expression rate was higher in the supernatant, but the difference in the concentration of VEGF in the supernatant was not statistically significant. Portal vein pressure and platelet activation were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in patients after TIPS procedure. Portal venous pressure, platelet activation, plasma LPS, and TSP-1 levels were significantly decreased continuously, while VEGF levels were significantly increased continuously after TIPS procedure. Plasma LPS concentration was positively correlated with TSP-1 concentration (r = 0.506, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with VEGF concentration (r = -0.167, P = 0.010). Child-Pugh score change range was negatively correlated with change range of plasma VEGF concentration (r = -0.297, P = 0.016), and positively correlated with change range of plasma TSP-1 concentration (r = 0.145, P = 0.031) after TIPS. Conclusion: Portal venous pressure gradient, plasma LPS concentration and corresponding platelet activation was decreased in cirrhotic portal hypertension after TIPS procedure, and with TSP-1 reduction and VEGF elevation it is possible to reduce the liver function injury caused by portal venous shunt.
Subject(s)
Humans , Blood Platelets , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Lipopolysaccharides , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Plasma , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor AABSTRACT
Abstract: Introduction and aim. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS). It is associated with a reduced quality of life and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare two groups of patients who did and did not develop overt HE after TIPS. We looked for differences between these groups before TIPS. Material and methods. A study of 895 patients was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of clinical data. Data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, χ2, Mann Whitney test, unpaired t-test and logistic regression. After the initial analyses, we have looked at a regression models for the factors associated with development of HE after TIPS. Results. 257 (37.9%) patients developed HE after TIPS. Patients’ age, pre-TIPS portal venous pressure, serum creatinine, aspartate transaminase, albumin, presence of diabetes mellitus and etiology of portal hypertension were statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of HE after TIPS (p < 0.01). However, only the age, pre-TIPS portal venous pressure, serum creatinine, presence of diabetes mellitus and etiology of portal hypertension contributed to the regression model. Patients age, serum creatinine, presence of diabetes mellitus and portal vein pressure formed the model describing development of HE after TIPS for a subgroup of patients with refractory ascites. Conclusion. We have identified, using a substantial sample, several factors associated with the development of HE after TIPS. This could be helpful in further research.
Subject(s)
Humans , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Hepatic Encephalopathy/etiology , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Hypertension, Portal/surgery , Time Factors , Venous Pressure , Biomarkers/blood , Chi-Square Distribution , Logistic Models , Hepatic Encephalopathy/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Age Factors , Treatment Outcome , Czech Republic , Creatinine/blood , Diabetes Complications/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/diagnosis , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/physiopathologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term patency of parallel shunts (PS) in the management of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and October 2010, 18 patients (13 men and 5 women) who underwent TIPS revision with the creation of PS were evaluated retrospectively. In the first 10 patients, a 10-mm-diameter Wallgraft endoprosthesis was deployed; in the latter 8 patients, an 8-mm-diameter Fluency endoprosthesis was deployed. RESULTS: The creation of PS was technically successful in all patients. The mean +/- standard deviation portosystemic pressure gradient before and after the procedure was 25.5 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (range, 16-37 mm Hg) and 10.9 +/- 2.3 mm Hg (range, 7-16 mm Hg), respectively. The duration of follow-up was 16.7 +/- 10.8 months (range, 6-42 months). The primary shunt patency rates at 12 months after the creation of PS was 70% with Wallgraft endoprostheses and 87.5% with Fluency endoprostheses. CONCLUSION: TIPS revision with the creation of PS is a safe, effective and durable method for treating shunt dysfunction.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Blood Pressure Determination , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Prosthesis Design , Reoperation/methods , Retrospective Studies , StentsABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is the non-surgical treatment option with low level of morbi-mortality and possibility of accomplishment in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction which aims at decompressing the portal system treating or reducing the portal hypertension complications. OBJECTIVE: Outline the profile analyze global and early mortality, and the complications presented by cirrhotic patients who underwent TIPS for treatment of digestive hemorrhage by portal hypertension. METHOD: Retrospective study based on the data bank of cirrhotic patients' medical reports, who underwent TIPS for digestive hemorrhage by portal hypertension treatment who did not respond to clinical endoscopic treatment, and were assisted from 1998 to 2010 in the Liver Transplant Service at a university hospital. The study was approved by the Committee of Ethics and Research. RESULTS: The sample was comprised of 72 (84.7%) patients, being 57 (79.2%) males, average age 47.7 years (age range from 16 to 85 years and SD = 13), 21 (29.2%) patients presented liver disease as cause excessive intake of alcoholic drinks; 21 (29.2%) contamination by hepatitis virus, 16 (22.2%) excessive alcohol intake associated with virus and 14 (19.4%) patients presented other causes. As for initial classification, 14 (20%) had Child-Pugh A, 33 (47.1%) Child-Pugh B and 23 (32.9%) Child-Pugh C. Initial MELD was obtained in 68 patients being 37 (54.4%) higher than 15 points while 31 (45.6%) had up to 15 points. Early death occurred in 19 (26.4%). Global mortality occurred in 41 (60.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality is directly related to clinical factors of patients, being Child-Pugh and MELD classifications predictors of mortality, with more impact in patients with Child-Pugh class C and MELD > 15. The complications found were similar to those described in the literature, although the dysfunction by stent stenosis (26.4%) was lower than in the most of the studies and the encephalopathy incidence (58.3%) was higher. Probably, the high incidence of encephalopathy is explained by the low incidence of stenosis.
CONTEXTO: Derivação portossistêmica transjugular intra-hepática (TIPS) é opção de tratamento não cirúrgico com baixo índice de morbimortalidade e possibilidade de realização em pacientes com disfunção hepática grave que visa descomprimir o sistema porta tratando ou reduzindo as complicações da hipertensão portal. OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil, analisar mortalidade global e precoce, e as complicações apresentadas pelos pacientes cirróticos submetidos a TIPS para tratamento da hemorragia digestiva por hipertensão portal. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo baseado no banco de dados dos prontuários dos pacientes cirróticos submetidos a TIPS para tratamento da hemorragia digestiva por hipertensão portal que não responderam ao tratamento clínico-endoscópico e atendidos no período de 1998 a 2010 no Serviço de Transplante de Fígado de um hospital universitário. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa. RESULTADOS: Amostra foi composta de 72 (84,7%) pacientes, sendo 57 (79,2%) do sexo masculino, idade média de 47,4 anos (entre 16 e 85 anos e DP = 13); 21 (29,2%) pacientes apresentavam como causa da doença hepática o consumo excessivo de álcool; 21 (29,2%) a contaminação por vírus da hepatite, 16 (22,2%) o consumo excessivo de álcool associado a vírus e 14 (19,4%) pacientes apresentavam outras causas. Quanto à classificação inicial, 14 (20%) tinham Child-Pugh A, 33 (47,1%) Child-Pugh B e 23 (32,9%) Child-Pugh C. MELD inicial foi obtido em 68 pacientes, sendo 37 (54,4%) com mais de 15 pontos, enquanto 31 (45,6%) tiveram até 15 pontos. Óbito precoce ocorreu em 19 (26,4%). Mortalidade global ocorreu em 41 (60,3%). CONCLUSÃO: Mortalidade está diretamente relacionada a fatores clínicos dos pacientes, sendo as classificações de Child-Pugh e MELD preditoras de mortalidade, com maior impacto em pacientes com Child-Pugh classe C e MELD >15. As complicações encontradas foram semelhantes às descritas na literatura, porém a disfunção por estenose do stent (26,4%) foi menor que a maioria dos estudos e a incidência de encefalopatia (58,3%) superior. Provavelmente, esta alta incidência seja explicada pela baixa incidência de estenose.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Hypertension, Portal/mortality , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/mortality , Hypertension, Portal/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric and motor disorder, resulting from hepatic failure. It is one of the main manifestations of chronic liver disease and the cardinal presentation of acute liver failure. Its presence and severity are the main prognostic determinants among these patients. It is frequent in advanced chronic liver disease (30-45 percent) and in patients with TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) (10-50 percent). Its pathogenesis is complex and it has multiple components, including ammonia, inflammatory cytokines, benzodiazepine- and manganese-like components, which alter the function of the neuronal cell. Its management requires identification and treatment of the precipitating factors, and ruling out other causes of mental status alteration. The majority of the therapies are aimed at reducing ammonia load in the intestine, such as non absorbable disaccharides (lactulose), antibiotics (neomycin, metronidazole and currently, rifaximin) and other, whose role has yet to be established. Severe encephalopathy is considered an indicator for liver transplantation. This article will analyze mainly hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients, its classification, etiopathogeny and current management.
La encefalopatía hepática (EH) es un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico y motor, que resulta de una disfunción hepática. Es una de las manifestaciones principales de la enfermedad hepática crónica y la presentación cardinal en la falla hepática aguda. Su presencia y gravedad son uno de los mayores determinantes pronósticos en estos pacientes. Es frecuente en enfermedad hepática crónica avanzada (30-45 por ciento)y en portadores de shunt postosistémico transyugular intrahepático (TIPS) (10-50 por ciento). Su patogénesis es compleja y tiene múltiples componentes, incluyendo el amonio, citoquinas inflamatorias, compuestos que semejan a benzodiacepinas y manganeso, que causan alteración funcional de la célula neuronal. El manejo requiere identificar y tratar los factores precipitantes, además de excluir otras causas de alteración del estado mental. La mayoría de las terapias están dirigidas a reducir la carga de amonio en el intestino, tales como los disacáridos no absorbibles (lactulosa), antibióticos (neomicina, metronidazol y actualmente rifaximina) y otros cuyo rol está por establecerse. La encefalopatía grave es considerada un indicador para trasplante hepático. En este artículo analizaremos principalmente la encefalopatía hepática en pacientes con cirrosis, su clasificación, etiopatogenia y manejo actual.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hepatic Encephalopathy/physiopathology , Hepatic Encephalopathy/therapy , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid , Ammonia/metabolism , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Liver Cirrhosis , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Hepatic Encephalopathy/classification , Hepatic Encephalopathy/metabolism , Lactulose/therapeutic use , Manganese/metabolism , Rifamycins/therapeutic use , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
A 41-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis had recurrent portal hypertension and bleeding from esophageal varices due to complete occlusion of a previously inserted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent. Because recanalization of the stent by the transjugular approach was unsuccessful, ultrasound-guided entry to the splenic vein and portal vein was used. After catheter-directed intrathrombus thrombolysis, successful opening of the stent was achieved and a stent was placed. We herein report a rare case in which thrombolysis and recanalization of a TIPS stent were performed via a percutaneous transhepatic approach.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Esophageal and Gastric Varices/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Reoperation , Stents/adverse effects , Vascular PatencyABSTRACT
No abstract available.
Subject(s)
Humans , Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Esophageal and Gastric Varices/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Polyesters , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Reoperation , Stents/adverse effects , Vascular PatencyABSTRACT
We report a case of spondylodiscitis caused by multiresistant Serratia marcescens in a cirrhotic patient who had several Serratia bacteremias after the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) device. We concluded that an endovascular stent that can not be removed makes management of recurrent bacteremia difficult. Furthermore, back pain due to bacteremia is indicative of spondylodiscitis. Serratia marcescens can be an aggressive pathogen, causing spinal infection.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Bacteremia/microbiology , Discitis/microbiology , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Serratia Infections/diagnosis , Serratia marcescens/isolation & purification , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Bacteremia/diagnosis , Bacteremia/drug therapy , Discitis/diagnosis , Discitis/drug therapy , Imipenem/therapeutic use , Serratia Infections/drug therapyABSTRACT
At the present time several therapeutic options are used for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension. We will review the main medical publications on transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), a procedure seldom used among us. TIPS works as a portocaval side-to-side shunt and decreases the risk of esophageal bleeding through lowering of the portal system pressure and a decrease of the portal hepatic pressure gradient. TIPS consists in the percutaneous insertion, through the internal jugular vein, of a metallic stent under fluoroscopic control in the hepatic parenchyma creating a true porta caval communication. There are several studies demonstrating the efficacy of TIPS, although only a few of them are randomized and control-matched to allow us to conclude that this procedure is safe, efficient and with a good cost benefit ratio. In this review, we search for the analysis of the TIPS utilization, its techniques, its major indications and complications. TIPS has been used in cases of gastroesophageal bleeding that has failed with pharmacologic or endoscopic treatment in patients Child-Pugh B and C. It can be used also as a bridge for liver transplantation. Others indications for TIPS are uncontrolled ascites, hepatic renal syndrome, and hepatic hydrothorax. The main early complications of TIPS using are related to the insertion site and hepatic encephalopathy and the stent occlusion is the chief late complication.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hypertension, Portal/therapy , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/standards , Ascites/complications , Ascites/therapy , Esophageal and Gastric Varices/complications , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/surgery , Hemodynamics , Hepatorenal Syndrome/etiology , Hepatorenal Syndrome/therapy , Hydrothorax/etiology , Hydrothorax/therapy , Hypertension, Portal/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Transplantation , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/adverse effects , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been popularized for the treatment of refractory variceal bleeding. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and long-term effect of TIPS in the treatment of variceal bleeding that is not controlled with pharmacological and endoscopic treatment. METHODS: Thirty-six patients who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) due to refractory variceal bleeding were included in the study. The effectiveness of portal decompression and bleeding control was evaluated. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to analyse the degree of varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) before TIPS procedure and one to three weeks after TIPS. Angiography was performed in surviving patients, if bleeding recurred, or if ultrasonography or endoscopy suggested stent dysfunction. RESULTS: TIPS were successfully placed in 36 of 38 patients (94.6%). TIPS achieved hemostasis of variceal bleeding in 34 patients (94.4%). Portal venous pressure decreased from an initial average of 28.7 +/- 7.9 to 23.2 +/- 9.4 mmHg after TIPS (p < 0.05). The portosystemic pressure gradient was significantly decreased from 15.5 +/- 6.3 to 7.8 +/- 4.1 mmHg (p < 0.01). The degree of esophagogastric varices and PHG was significantly improved after TIPS. The total length of follow-up was from one day to 54 months (mean: 355 days). The actuarial probability of survival was 83% at one year and 74% at two years. Overall, 16 episodes of stent dysfunction were diagnosed during follow-up. Stent revision by means of angioplasty was successfully performed in 14 of these episodes. CONCLUSION: TIPS is an effective and reliable nonoperative means of lowering portal pressure. This procedure has proved useful in the management of acute variceal bleeding refractory to endoscopic treatment. Surveillance by ultrasonography, endoscopy, and angiographic intervention is useful for the maintenance of shunt patency.